By Mboneko Munyaga
Arusha is experiencing its coldest spell in decades with temperatures dipping to levels last felt in the 1970s. The sharp chill follows an already unpredictable year marked by searing heat, torrential rains and widespread flooding—leaving residents and experts alike questioning what’s driving these extreme conditions.
Director of the Moshi-based Kilimanjaro Consortium for Development and Environment (KCDE), Ambassador Rev. Prof. Aidan Msafiri, attributes the unusual weather to a combination of natural and environmental factors.
“One possible explanation is that the Earth is currently at aphelion – its farthest point from the sun in its elliptical orbit,” he told The Arusha News. “This happens annually around early July, but this year’s cycle may be more pronounced, something that typically occurs once every few decades.”
Amb. Rev. Prof. Msafiri, a Roman Catholic priest and United Nations environmental envoy, also pointed to improved conservation efforts around Mount Meru (over 17,000ft above sea level) and Mount Kilimanjaro (over 19,000ft asl) as potential contributors to the drop in temperatures.
“Increased vegetation and snow cover at high altitudes can cool air masses,” he explained. “When sea winds rise and pass over these summits, they’re chilled before descending, effectively turning the mountains into natural refrigerators.”
He also praised reforestation initiatives in upper elevations of Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, saying they play a vital role in regulating temperature.
“Conservation never lies,” he emphasised. “Even a 0.1% increase in tree cover can bring about noticeable cooling. Conversely, even minimal deforestation accelerates warming,” he further explained.
His insights were echoed by Mr Kidon Mkuu, Coordinator of the Arusha-based Wildlife and Environmental Care Initiative (WECI), which advocates for nature protection across northern Tanzania.
“I agree there’s been significant progress on our mountains,” said Mkuu. “But we still face serious challenges in the plains where tree loss continues to affect microclimates. Personally, I haven’t experienced this level of cold since the 1970s.”
Currently, daytime temperatures in Arusha hover around 19°C, dropping to 16°C at night. In the Ngorongoro Crater, night-time temperatures have plummeted to around 10°C, with forecasts indicating possible drops into single digits and chances of frost extending through August.
While the cold has surprised many locals, it may be a welcome change for international tourists escaping heatwaves in their home countries. The region’s cool yet comfortable conditions offer ideal weather for safari-goers enjoying Tanzania’s iconic landscapes and wildlife, including the famed Big Five.
Recent global temperatures reflect a broader trend of climatic unpredictability. While New York is at 26°C, London has cooled to 18°C and Stockholm and Oslo are both around 22–23°C. In Alberta, Canada, current temperatures are just 10°C – well below its summer average of 20–25°C.
“These global patterns suggest that weather extremes are becoming more common,” said Amb. Rev. Prof. Msafiri. “Whether it’s excessive heat, cold snaps or erratic rainfall, the climate is telling us something—and we must listen.”
As Arusha residents pull out coats and blankets, environmental advocates hope the chill will serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation—not just for biodiversity but for stabilising the climate in the years to come.
